Ukraine bids to become member of Nato

Nato Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer opened meetings with top Ukrainian officials today, aimed at reviewing the ex-Soviet republic’s bid to join the Western alliance.

De Hoop Scheffer was due to meet with President Viktor Yushchenko, Foreign Minister Borys Tarasyuk, Defence Minister Anatoly Gritsenko and others to discuss Ukraine’s progress in military, political, and economic reforms necessary for Nato membership.